S.L. Frank in Saratov 1917‒1921

Abstract

The proposed review examines the book of A.A. Gaponenkov “Philosopher in the Province. S.L. Frank and his entourage during the years of the revolution and the Civil War in Saratov. From the annals of the events of 1917‒1921” published in late 2019 by the Saratov State University. A distinctive feature of the publication is the “annalistic” format for presenting the materials. The squalls of the philosopher’s and his family’s life in Saratov and the German Volga colonies are recreated on the pages using various sources providing the “the word” to these times. Such sources include archival materials, memoirs, correspondence, diary entries and legislative acts. The study combines successfully several genres: a historical chronicle of the events of the revolution and the Civil War in the province, a monograph on the history of the emergence of humanities in the regions, a biography of Frank and his family 1917‒1921, as well as local history research. This allows us to recommend the work of A.A. Gaponenkov to everyone, who is interested in the biography and work of S.L. Frank, as well as those, who are studying the formation and development of domestic humanitarian knowledge in the regions.